You don’t have to look far to find someone, somewhere, claiming that makeup is bad for your skin.
It’s a tale that repeats from all corners. You might hear it from friends and family, young and old. You might even see it in beauty magazines, a constant discussion of how wearing too much makeup -- or refusing to have “makeup free days” -- is inherently bad for you.
This idea is so persuasive because it seems like it would be right. After all, makeup is basically a veil; it’s your skin covered in something, potentially for up to 12 hours at a time. We all know that failing to take your makeup off before you go to bed is Very Bad, so surely it follows that wearing makeup for any length of time is also potentially problematic?
When trying to get to the truth of this idea, it’s impossible to reach a thorough conclusion. Yes, makeup might be bad for your skin-- but it depends what makeup, how you apply it, when your wear it, and how good your supporting skincare regime is. Makeup can cause problems with skin, but generally, only if it’s used incorrectly.
If you want to ensure that your relationship with your makeup is always going to be on good terms, then here are a few things you need to keep in mind.
#1 - Wash Your Makeup Brushes
This point cannot be overstated: wash your makeup brushes. If you can’t remember the last time that you washed your brushes, go and do it now. Use a mild shampoo -- baby shampoos tend to be the best -- and then thoroughly rinse the bristles, before hanging the brushes upside down to drip dry.
This is important because your brushes are the main contact point with your skin. If they are harboring bacteria or old product, then you’re not going to want to be swiping that over your skin on a regular basis. This is especially true for eyeshadow brushes; not washing brushes that you use around the eye area could result in a painful eye infection.
One note: the same applies if you use a sponge, such as a Beauty Blender, to apply makeup. It’s not just brushes that need regular care. You should aim to clean all of your makeup tools at least once a week, and replace them on an annual basis.
#2 - Avoid Too Much Powder
Due to their nature, powder products can potentially cause problems with your skin. Most of us use powder to absorb natural oils and prevent shine, but this can actually be problematic if you do it too often. If you dry your skin out, it will become uncomfortable, and could exacerbate the signs of aging. If this is something you’re experiencing, then you may want to investigate customized skin care treatments to help get your skin back to its best. Then, you can start afresh.
For the future, try and ensure that you use powder sparingly rather than as a standard part of your routine. A matte face might be your goal, but it also has the potential to look a little unrealistic. Letting some of your natural shine break through can actually enhance the appearance of your makeup, and your skin will thank you for it too.
If you use powder as a foundation or a concealer, consider switching to liquid or creme products to ensure that your skin is always able to keep hydrated.
#3 - Moisturize Prior To Applying Makeup
It’s not just powder that can dry your skin, though it is the most likely culprit. Hot on its heels is makeup in general, especially if you use primers or setting sprays.
Using moisturizer prior to applying any makeup can help to reduce the impact that your skin experiences. You’ll want to apply your moisturizer 10 to 15 minutes before you need to apply your makeup; this gives the moisturizer the chance to sink in and become fully absorbed. You can then apply your primer and the rest of your makeup as you usually would.
Many women worry that if they moisturize prior to applying makeup, it will impact the quality of the finish. This isn’t the case; in fact, many beauty gurus insist on moisturizing prior to applying makeup. Provided you give the moisturizer the time to sink in and use a primer, you can have flawless makeup while still giving your skin the moisture boost it needs.
#4 - Clean Makeup Off With An Oil
Removing makeup can sometimes be a pain. This is especially true if you use waterproof mascaras and setting sprays; after all, these products are designed not to move, which can mean deliberately removing them is something of a battle.
As a result, you may find yourself scrubbing at your face with a makeup remover pad, trying to persuade the last vestiges of your makeup to part way with your skin. To put it mildly: this isn’t good for your skin, all that pulling and pushing can break capillaries and cause facial redness. The most effective method of removing makeup is to use an oil cleanser. Apply this to your face, wait for around three minutes, then remove with a warm cloth. The makeup will be dissolved by the oil, meaning you should be able to clean your entire face with a couple of gentle swipes of your skin.
#5 - Re-apply Makeup Every 12 Hours
If you have been wearing makeup all day and then have to go out in the evening, remove the day makeup and reapply. This gives your skin a chance to breathe, another layer of moisturizer to be applied, and will also result in you looking fresh even if you’ve had a heavy day of work-- perfect!
Conclusion
Your skin doesn’t have to pay the price for your love of makeup. Follow the points above, and you will have the flawless makeup looks you long for, and glowing skin that radiates with health-- a veritable win/win.
Thanks for reading!
This post was written by a contributing author in collaboration with primadonnastyle.com.
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